Delayed Baggage: How to Pursue Reimbursement for Expenses
Baggage claim guidance
Your flight arrived. Your suitcase didn't.
A delayed bag can quickly become more than an inconvenience, particularly when you're away from home and need clothing, toiletries or other necessities.
If you incur expenses because your checked baggage is delayed, you may be able to seek reimbursement from the airline.
Report the delayed bag promptly
If your checked bag doesn't arrive, report the problem to the airline promptly and follow that airline's current baggage-reporting procedures.
Airlines have their own reporting processes and deadlines, so don't postpone this step while deciding whether to pursue reimbursement.
Keep track of necessary expenses
The U.S. Department of Transportation says airlines must compensate passengers for reasonable, verifiable and actual incidental expenses they incur while baggage is delayed, subject to applicable liability limits.
What matters is the specific situation and whether the expense was reasonable and related to the baggage delay.
Keep a record of purchases made because you didn't have access to your luggage.
Keep your claim focused
When you're ready to pursue reimbursement, clearly explain:
What happened to your baggage
How long you were without it
What expenses resulted from the delay
What reimbursement you're requesting
Follow the airline's current claim procedures and provide the information it requests.
What if the airline doesn't reimburse everything?
A claim doesn't always produce the resolution a traveler expects.
If your claim is denied, only partially reimbursed or remains unresolved, you can consider responding in writing and asking the airline to reconsider or further review the matter.
Need help with the correspondence?
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Whether you're preparing your first claim or responding to an unresolved one, we'll help you communicate the important facts clearly.
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